Disgraceful scenes erupted at the Darts this evening as York sought to win Roses. With only three and half points needed for the White Rose to clinch the Carter-James trophy tonight, and with York’s Andy Myhill facing Lancaster’s Ben Staley, a pint of beer appeared to be thrown at the electrics of the York Dart Promotions’ oche and the game was subsequently delayed for an hour.

The company then refused to carry on with the game delicately poised. For the next hour chaos ensued as it became extremely unclear as to how the situation was going to be resolved. Eventually the game was continued on the smaller dartboard in Derwent but, despite Myhill defeating Lancaster’s Ben Staley, the final game went in Lancaster’s favour to give them the four points.

The crowd had been in great voice throughout the night but the atmosphere began to turn before the pint was thrown. After York Dart Promotions began to clear away their equipment Derwent bar staff and Doorsafe attempted to clear the bar of all the spectators.

What followed was an even more confusing period. At several points the game was on and then off. A fight briefly broke out on the floor of D-Bar but the bar staff and Doorsafe managed to handle the situation extremely effectively in order to allow the game to begin.

Sam Asfahani, York Sport President, commented: “Thanks to Doorsafe for handling the situation so well. It’s a real shame that one or two students have ruined what was going to be a really good way to end the Saturday of Roses”.

Darts players on either side seemed shocked at the evening’s events, York’s Chris West said: “It was a big day for us, we had our captain out, he was one leg up and I personally favoured him to take the next leg as well. I’m not really sure where it [the pint of beer] came from or who it came from, but it’s a real shame”.

A Lancaster fan, and ex-darts player, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “In general, over the last two years things have been getting worse. I think we saw here some fans are of the sport and some are just being idiots”.

Lancaster’s Vice-President for Sports Marc Handley said: “I’m sure Sam and I will get to the bottom of this. I’m not particularly impressed today, both in a sporting and behavioural sense. It’s something to sort out back in Lancaster. Thankfully the match finished, I think that was the right call.”

Eventually it was decided that the game would be played but York couldn’t quite finish off a truly bizarre evening in style. The events will carry on tomorrow and York should wrap up the trophy early on. Read here to see how it unfolded at the time.

2 comments

It was a big day for us, we had our captain out, he was one leg up and I personally favoured him to take the next leg as well. I’m not really sure where it [the pint of beer] came from or who it came from, but it’s a real shame